Brian Clarey, unplugged

MonkeyWhale Productions brings us a candid one-on-one interview with YES! Weekly editor Brian Clarey. And in this new era of newsroom and media cutbacks, YES! Weekly continues to be a local success story.

Here's why:

Daughtry visits FOX-8

Local "Idol" Chris Daughtry popped in the FOX-8 studios yesterday, one day earlier than expected. Daughtry had his days crossed, the interview was supposed to be Wednesday. At any rate, he sat down with FOX-8's Shannon Smith covering a range of topics. The interview will air tomorrow.

Hat-tip to the TVPhotogBlog for the coverage and skinny on this one.

E.C. :)

PPMs changing radio listening habits

Major radio station changes lately may be the result of the new PPMs--portable people meters Arbitron is using to track listener habits. Diaries are out, the electronic age is in.

Apparently, the PPMs are more accurate in gaging listening patterns in terms of how audiences are measured.

But the PPMs are causing controversy.

Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune:

Some have questioned the quality and weighting of the sample listeners and cast aspersions on the results. Others point to the difficulty of getting some to participate, for one reason or another.

"I haven't worn a beeper in years, and nothing I've got goes with it," Tom Joyner joked after he was bounced from Clear Channel's WVAZ-FM 102.7, forcing him to buy airtime on Crawford Broadcasting's WSRB-FM 106.3 and WYRB-FM 106.3. "PPM has systematically rated urban stations much lower than they have been in the past. The diary method that Arbitron used to use was more favorable."

The Federal Communications Commission last week announced an inquiry to determine if the new methodology undercounts audience for radio stations targeting minorities. Arbitron responded by saying it welcomed the opportunity to explain the advantages of PPMs.

Something to consider as the lay of our local radio landscape changes. Here's how the PPM works, courtesy of the Chicago Tribune:

More silliness from "Cheap" Channel

TMW reported last week on the flipping of KISS-fm to “The All New 105-7 Hit Music Now.’’ Local Clear Channel executive Kim Pyle also fed a load of bull to the News & Record on the format change:

“This is not a drop from Clear Channel on high,’’ said Kim Pyle, the vice president and market manager for the four stations. “This is being done locally so we can be nimble, agile and react to the needs of the listeners in the marketplace. This is for Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point.’’

If you believe that, I have a tunnel (complete with toll booths) to sell you.

Consider this...on the same day this happened here in Greensboro, in another larger urban market (Chicago...my hometown) where Cheap Channel...err, Clear Channel has a lock on the radio dial, long-time smooth jazz outlet WNUA folded after 22 years. The home of the locally-produced Ramsey Lewis morning show, Clear Channel fired Lewis and replaced the station's format with Spanish hot adult contemporary.

Chicago apparently went nuts over the weekend, primarily because of what CC did to destroy this station over the past few years. And they succeeded. I remember the day WNUA went on the air...I was in high school, during study hall and was fascinated at the music I heard through my "walkman" one day.

The interesting tidbit is this...a "low-powered" station picked up the former smooth jazz format way at the low end of the dial (87.7FM) and is rebroadcasting it under the "Smooth Jazz" network. The rebroadcast is being provided by Broadcast Architecture...which is owned by you guessed it...Clear Channel. (Hat-tip to Phil Rosenthal at the Chicago Tribune for the good blog coverage on this one...RadioInfo.com has also had a good conversation on this one, Chicago clearly does not trust CC...I can't blame them)

I mean, you just don't fire Ramsey Lewis and get away with it.

Back to the Triad...and another thing to chew on with this 105.7...WKZL also uses the "Hit Music Now" in some of their promos in between songs...I wonder when 105.7 will be forced to change the moniker because of this.

E.C. :)

More homogenized radio in the Triad

It is no secret that I am not a fan of the company known as Clear Channel.

The things this company has done to destroy locally-owned radio in this country is flabbergasting. And this company has destroyed it. We as listeners of terrestrial radio are now forced with stations with the same songs played to death, over and over again. The listeners are not paid any attention to, and smaller artists are left to fend for themselves, or via the Internet for any type of airplay.

A good example is what Clear Channel has done to destroy smooth jazz stations all over the U.S. It started off as a good format, with a mix of smooth, contemporary and classic jazz sounds blended in. Then once Clear Channel-owned stations started mixing in "old soul," the format was destroyed. Kool-and-the-Gang is not smooth jazz...it's not jazz at all. Hence, the ultimate and untimely demise of these types of stations across America...in big urban markets.

Now, I digress...one thing Clear Channel is good at doing is flipping formats when one fails. The Triad's market is no exception.



Clear Channel has relinquished its battle of R&B stations, dropping its homogenized "KISS-fm" R&B format on 105.7 FM late Friday afternoon, and debuting “The All New 105-7 Hit Music Now.’’

Yawn.

So, while it couldn't compete with WQMG (97.1-fm) and 102-JAMS (WJMH), it will now wage war with Dick Broadcasting's locally-owned 107.5-fm (WKZL).

Yawn.

News & Record:

The All New 105-7 is part of the audible tweak ongoing among the four stations owned by Clear Channel Radio, a corporate radio giant out of Texas.

In February, Clear Channel dropped syndicated morning show “The John Boy & Billy Big Show’’ from its rock station WVBZ (100.3 FM) , better known as The Buzzard.

Earlier this month, The Buzzard became The Buzz and inserted a playlist that leaned more toward Green Day than Lynyrd Skynyrd.

And now, The All New 105-7 becomes Clear Channel’s latest move. It drops the three-year battle against the Triad’s two urban giants, WQMG (97.1 FM) and WJMH (102.1 FM), and goes head to head against WKZL (107.5 FM), a station owned by Greensboro’s Dick Broadcasting.

“This is not a drop from Clear Channel on high,’’ said Kim Pyle, the vice president and market manager for the four stations. “This is being done locally so we can be nimble, agile and react to the needs of the listeners in the marketplace. This is for Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point.’’

Yeah...right. That's the problem, Kim...nothing from Clear Channel is done locally. Nothing.

Coverage from RadioInsight.com here.

E.C. :)

WUNC program to broadcast from GSO next week

Hat-tip to Greensboro's Ed Cone for passing this along...91.5 FM WUNC's Triangle-based radio show "The State of Things" will broadcast live from the affiliate's Greensboro Triad Stage studio next Thursday and Friday. Live local talent will perform.

Call the Triad Stage Box Office on 336/272-0160.

E.C. :)

History Channel to profile Bowman Gray Stadium

News 14 Carolina reports The History Channel will breeze into Winston-Salem this summer to film a new reality series about the goings-on over at Bowman Gray Stadium.

News 14:

“They're filming a TV series here that's going to be on the History Channel. And it's about the life and struggles of a Saturday night short tracker here at Bowman Gray Stadium,” Chris Fleming, a driver from Mount Airy, said.

The track is NASCAR’s first and longest running weekly race. Drivers began running their cars at the stadium just one year after NASCAR started.

“There's a lot of history here at this race track, a lot of family rivalries,” Fleming said. “We are one big family here, but there are also family rivalries.”

*******************

E.C. :)

Bailout? or a loan on success?

TMW reported on the Carrboro Citizen not long ago. Now comes word that the paper received a loan from that town's Board of Aldermen...to expand its operation.

Hmmmm....

...thoughts?

E.C. :)

Are Sweeps Stunts still effective?

Last night, we were treated to a story on CBS-2 (WFMY) on so-called unlicensed teachers that was riddled with holes. Simultaneously, the morning team from NBC-12 (WXII) switched with the evening team throughout the day.

It's sweeps time. (yawn)

And as sweeps winds down, the question needs to be asked...are local sweeps still effective? I contend they're not.

Case in point, as the 11:00 news wound down on WXII last night, we saw sports anchor Craig Thomas being given a back massage in the newsroom. I'm sorry, but where's the news value in that?

If sweeps are 'the best of the best' and if this is all these guys have, it's no wonder they're hurting for viewers and ad revenues.

E.C. :)

Good Morning Show's getting irritating

Anyone who survived this morning's "Good Morning Show" over at CBS-2 WFMY is lucky. Their new tie-in with Jeff Roper and Angie Ward over at local radio's 104 WTQR is getting very old, very fast.

This morning, viewers who stayed with the show during the 6am and 7am hours were treated to a very irritating bit featuring someone on a YouTube video getting off an incredibly bad laugh.

Where's the news? Where's the traffic? Where's the credibility? Channel 2 getting like Channel 12 in the morning. The silliness is getting old.

E.C. :)

WFDD hits 79% of goal in Spring pledge drive

NPR affiliate 88.5 WFDD concluded its spring pledge drive last week hitting 79% of its goal. The final tally was $157,647.

Denise Franklin, General Manager of WFDD, said in a statement:

"It is truly rewarding to receive such a strong outpouring of support during these challenging economic times. Our listeners tell us how much they value WFDD as a locally owned and operated public radio station with relevant local and national programming. During this membership drive they demonstrated their commitment to public radio and our entire Piedmont Triad community. We are also confident our listeners and members will step forward and help us raise the $42,000 we need to hit our $200,000 goal by the end of our fiscal year in June."

E.C. :)

Tolly Carr to be cut loose today

Published reports today say that former NBC-12 (WXII) anchor Tolly Carr will be released from prison today, less than two years after Carr pleaded guilty to DWI charges related to a fatal drunken-driving wreck.

As a condition of his release, Carr will also have to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $10,000 fine to the public school system.

E.C. :)

Kerr is out at CBS-2

First, it was Kent Bates, now the other shoe has dropped...sports director Greg Kerr is out at CBS-2 (WFMY). TMW reported a couple of days ago (via NewsBlues) that the gauntlet would begin to fall over at WFMY this week. Now TMW can confirm (via the N&R) that Kerr will also be gone by month's end.

And you all are talking about it...and responding. Apparently, there seem to be very few WFMY fans out there. The comments on the N&R story (and John Robinson's blog) say it all.

The firing of Kerr is notable, however. This is the second local station in as many months in letting a sports director go.

Dave Goren, former sports director and anchor over at NBC-12 (WXII) was cut loose by the Heart-Argyle owned Channel 12 back in January, right when this blog started. Could this be an open door for him? But then again, would Channel 2 call on Goren?

Seems as though what's left watching locally is 8 and 14.

E.C. :)

Kent Bates to exit CBS-2

TMW reported two days ago (via NewsBlues) that the gauntlet would begin to fall over at WFMY any day now. Now TMW can confirm (via today's N&R) that evening anchor Kent Bates will soon leave the CBS affiliate after six years.

Bates, in a reported e-mail, says the station declined to renew his contract.

E.C. :)

Remembering Nick Maheras

I was terribly shocked and saddened to learn of the recent and rather untimely passing of Nick Maheras. A long-time lifestyles and religion reporter for the High Point Enterprise, Maheras was a friend and former colleague of mine at the Enterprise when I was a young cub reporter there from late 2000-2001. Maheras was often soft-spoken, but a hard-nosed reporter. He loved news and loved the people he not only worked with but those he interviewed. He was someone I was proud to know, and I will miss him.

Take care of yourself, Nick; we'll see you soon.

E.C. :)

WFMY makes big changes as it turns 60

CBS-2 (WFMY) will ring in 60 years young with a new news director. Jim Platzer, a former news director at WAND-TV in Decatur, IL, officially takes the reigns, replacing Gina Katzmark who left the Gannett-owned WFMY in January after 3 1/2 years as news director.

Platzer also worked for WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV, and has also worked at stations in Johnstown and Altoona, PA, Mobile, AL, and spent seven years in Florida, working in both Orlando and Tampa.

And there's no rest for the weary, as Gannett is cutting two top anchors at WFMY, according to NewsBlues. We're on the trail to find out who they may be.

E.C. :)

What's "This"?

You're seeing the commercials about "This." But what's "This?"

"This" will debut on NBC-12 WXII's digital channel 12-2 (Time Warner Cable channel 541), it is the channel now occupied by NBC's WeatherPlus. WeatherPlus is going bye-bye, a natural decision since it now owns The Weather Channel.

So again...what's "This"? It is 24 hours of classic TV and movies, according to the station.

“We’re excited to be able to provide viewers with a top quality movie network that will add to the choices they have for free over-the-air local TV service,” says station chief Hank Price, in a recent statement.

E.C. :)

YES! Weekly, Rock 92 unveil new partnership

This announcement from this week's YES! Weekly:



E.C. :)

N&R recognizes its own...

...this time with awards, not with pink slips. Take a look at the list, and congratulations to the winners.

E.C. :)

Kevin Connolly to be honored by NCHSAA

Congrats to FOX-8 sports anchor Kevin Connolly who will be honored this Thursday at the annual meeting of the NC High School Athletic Association in Chapel Hill. Connolly will be receiving the Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year award (hat tip: GSO Sports).

Well done.

E.C. :)

102 Jams leads local winter radio ratings

Local "hip-hop" station 102 Jams (WJMH-fm) led the Arbitron winter ratings book with an 8.6 share, that's up from their 7.2 ranking in the fall. WQMG came in second with a 7.8 share, followed by WMAG with a 5.4 share. WMAG's numbers were down from the 6.4 share they gathered in the fall.

Here's the local tally:

AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid
Greensboro - Winston-Salem May 4 2009
Station	Format	SP08	SU08	FA08	WI09

WJMH-FM	Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio	7.7	8.5	7.2	8.6
WQMG-FM	Urban Adult Contemporary	7.7	7.4	7.6	7.8
WMAG-FM	Adult Contemporary	4.8	5.1	6.4	5.4
WKZL-FM	Pop Contemporary Hit Radio	5.8	5.3	5.6	5.1
WTHZ-FM	Classic Hits	3.8	2.6	3.4	5.0
WTQR-FM	Country	5.4	5.8	6.4	5.0
WPAW-FM	Country	5.5	6.9	5.1	4.4
WKRR-FM	Classic Rock	3.3	3.7	4.5	4.0
WMKS-FM	Urban Adult Contemporary	3.9	3.7	3.1	3.4
WVBZ-FM	Album Oriented Rock	3.2	2.6	2.9	3.4
WSJS-AM	News Talk Information	2.8	2.9	3.9	3.1
WZTK-FM	News Talk Information	2.8	3.0	2.9	2.9
WSMW-FM	Adult Contemporary	3.5	4.7	2.7	2.5
WGBT-FM	Mexican Regional	2.0	2.2	2.9	2.2
WSGH-AM	Mexican Regional	*	*	0.5	2.2
WIST-FM	Classic Country	1.7	1.8	1.7	1.4
WBRF-FM	Country	1.3	1.4	1.1	1.2
WEND-FM	Alternative	1.4	2.0	2.6	1.1
WDCG-FM	Pop Contemporary Hit Radio	1.0	1.1	1.3	1.0
WQOK-FM	Urban Contemporary	0.5	0.5	0.7	0.8
WPOL-AM	Gospel	0.5	1.5	0.8	0.7
WBLO-AM	All Sports	*	0.7	*	0.5
WFXC-FM	Urban Adult Contemporary	*	*	*	0.5
WPCM-AM	Oldies	1.0	0.5	0.4	0.5
WTRU-AM	Religious	0.9	0.6	*	0.5
WKEW-AM	Gospel	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.4
WSOC-FM	Country	*	*	*	0.4
WBBB-FM	Album Oriented Rock	0.5	*	*	*
WEAL-AM	Gospel	0.7	0.4	0.4	*
WLNK-FM	Talk/Personality	0.6	*	*	*
WMFR-AM	News Talk Information	0.5	0.4	0.4	*
WNKS-FM	Pop Contemporary Hit Radio	*	*	0.5	*
WPEG-FM	Urban Contemporary	*	0.4	*	*
WPET-AM	Southern Gospel	*	*	0.6	*
WQDR-FM	Country	0.6	*	*	*
WROV-FM	Album Oriented Rock	*	0.4	*	*

Who has the best traffic reports?

This is a criticism of the local traffic reports on local Triad-area radio...they stink. And NCDOT doesn't help much either.

Case in point...I'm making my daily bi-county jaunt from Greensboro to Winston-Salem yesterday afternoon to go to work at the nite gig...I'm westbound on US 311 approaching I-40 west. After passing the Clemmonsville Rd. exit, I head north on US 52.

Bam!

Traffic comes to a screeching halt. It's not until AFTER I get on Hwy. 52 that there's a NCDOT message board that warns of an upcoming accident 2 miles away. Now common sense (if there is such a thing at the NCDOT) would tell you to put the same message on a message board on I-40, that way, motorists can avoid 52 and find an alternate route, right? Well, that would be too easy. That would be thinking.

So I had on 600/1200 WSJS on the radio...and their traffic report? Nothing about an accident, which at 4pm is snarling a major thoroughfare through their prime listening area, Winston-Salem. Not even anything about another accident I passed while passing through Jamestown on the way to Hwy. 311 only 20 minutes earlier.

So this begs the question...who has the best triad traffic reports on the radio? Chime in and let me know what you all think?

A disclaimer...I worked part-time for a few months back in late 2004 in the former Triad Traffic Center over at Curtis Media-owned FM Talk 101.1 (WZTK). Then, we relied on a consistent and accurate volunteer team of motorists who phoned in traffic conditions on area roadways...and it worked well. And as you know, Curtis now owns WSJS.

Simply put, don't report conditions are okay when they're not.

Off the soapbox...

E.C. :)